Mohegan Gaming is currently mulling over its reopening plan when it comes to the casino resorts it oversees in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Casino Niagara and the Fallsview Casino are two of the hotspots in the region and they have been closed over the past more than ten weeks. The tribal casino operator is working on the plan for their successful reopening.

Niagara Falls, Ontario was among the popular tourist destinations experiencing quite the hit as a result of the unprecedented situation around the globe and across Canada. Their casino resorts closed for business and remained closed over the past ten weeks. As the United States work on their business reopening plans, Canada and Ontario, in particular, are also weighing their options.

Casinos set to benefit from a Stage 3 reopening thumbs-up include those located in the OLG’s East Gaming Bundle region. This includes casinos located in Kawartha, Peterborough, Thousand Islands, and Belleville. Venues in the North- and Central Gaming Bundles will also get to open their doors to the public on July 17. Although most businesses were given the go-ahead to reopen this summer after nearly five months in lockdown, Ontario casinos have remained closed since March 16. However, on Sept. 4, the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation issued a statement noting that they would reopen all 25 casino properties across the country on Sept. 28, keeping in line. A spokesperson for the casino declined an interview with CBC News, however, said reopening plans would be in collaboration with Unifor Local 444, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG. Ontario casinos are re-opening today, despite strict rules in place that will make it tough to profit. Great Canadian Gaming announced that they will reopen all 11 Ontario casinos today. Just like the US, Canada is also working hard on reopening tactics for its casino industry. Ontario is the largest province in Canada by population, and its authorities allowed casinos to open.

Gaming Returns

Mohegan Gaming is seeking ways in which it could reopen its gaming facilities in a safe way and protect both casino staff members and players making their way there. This could happen by following closely all health recommendations coming from Ontario’s government. The tribal casino operator recently made it clear that the government has completed the Ontario Gaming Industry Health and Safety Guidelines.

This would pave the way for the eventual safe reopening of casino locations which is expected to take place this summer. Every casino location comes with its unique layout which would mandate a special approach to its reopening. Fallsview Casino’s reopening committee is preparing to study the safety guidelines once they become public and act accordingly. Soon after that, it would have to devise its plan for action.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is expected to review the plan once it is ready and give its approval for the official reopening of the casino hotspot. Mohegan Gaming made it clear that the casino venues would like to implement various measures promoting physical distancing. This includes floor markings for keeping distance, as well as plexiglass barriers for the gaming tables.

New Measures Implemented

Casinos Open In Ontario

Some of those measures have already been tested by some casino locations in the United States. They could soon be introduced across Canadian casino venues, as players want to return to the brick-and-mortar gaming. At the moment, online gaming and lottery ticket purchases remain the sole legal gambling offerings available. Individuals would also have to wear face masks and use the sanitation stations across the casino floors.

In the meantime, Great Blue Heron Casino and Casino Ajax are also preparing for the eventual reopening. The Durham region might be among the first to witness in-person casino gaming, as it was recently confirmed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. A total of 27 casino locations across the province would have to reopen with the mandatory safety measures and restrictions implemented.

Tony Bitonti, Spokesperson for the Crown corporation stated they are working with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the casino operators. Corey Dalton, President of Unifor Local 1090, also made it clear that unionized casino workers will have their health protected at all costs, as this is one of the main concerns right now. Employees are eager to get back to work in the upcoming months.

Ontario Casinos List

The health and safety of casino customers, employees and the host gaming communities remains as always, a priority for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and its service providers.

Today, the Government of Ontario announced as part of its Stage 3 re-opening plan, it is permitting certain businesses to re-open in certain regions, including casinos and Charitable Gaming centres, which have been closed since March 16-17, 2020.

The re-opening of these facilities is subject to the following restrictions:

• A maximum of 50 customers in the gaming establishment at any given time;
• A requirement that all persons on-site adhere to two metre physical distancing; and,
• For eligible casinos, no table games at this time.

This Stage 3 re-opening is consistent with the province’s regional approach it took during Stage 2. Eligible casinos and Charitable Gaming centres have been selected on the basis of location and risk, subject to the advice of public health officials.

Eligible casinos include:

• All casinos in the East Bundle (Kawartha, Belleville, Peterborough and Thousand Islands) and some in the West GTA Bundle (Brantford and Grand River) The service provider for these gaming bundles is Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
• Most casinos in the Southwest Bundle (Clinton, Hanover, Woodstock, Chatham, London), and all casinos in the North Bundle (Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay) and Central Bundle (Rama and Innisfil). The service provider for these gaming bundles is Gateway Casinos and Entertainment.
• Rideau Carleton Casino in Ottawa. The service provider for this gaming bundle is HR Ottawa.

For casinos and Charitable Gaming centres, re-opening is contingent on having a safety plan for the site (which must include mandatory use of masks or face-coverings for customers), reviewed by an appropriate expert and submitted to the regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

Casinos In Ontario Canada

Re-opening dates for eligible casino and Charitable Gaming centres will be set by the service providers and communicated by them. The specific reopening date for each gaming site will vary depending on a site’s readiness and commercial viability to operate under the mandatory restrictions.

Working in partnership with Ontario, its industry partners, and the AGCO, OLG is proud to contribute to the re-opening of the economy with health and safety as a top priority.

CONTACT:

OLG MEDIA RELATIONS

1-888-946-6716